The Challenge: The practice of local economic development has changed dramatically from the last century. Globalization, sustainability, the knowledge economy, demographic and skill shortages, immigration, trade specialization, the decline of manufacturing, the rise of tourism, community vulnerability, climate change and regional cluster formation all affect our communities. The pace of change is accelerating and new approaches are required.
The Solution: SEED has drawn upon the expertise of seasoned practitioners and leading academics to create core courses and specialized seminars. The Economic Developers Association of Canada (EDAC) and University of Waterloo (UW) have partnered to develop and offer a professional development and certification program for professionals across the country.
Paticipants can take individual courses or earn a certificate or diploma in Economic Development.
Year 1:Fundamentals of Community Economic Development, Yukon
Sunday, February 5 - Friday, February 10, 2012
Year 1: Fundamentals of Community Economic Development, Waterloo Campus
Sunday, April 29 - Friday, May 4, 2012
Year 1: Fundamentals of Community Economic Development, Edmonton
Saturday, May 13 - Friday, May 18, 2012
Year 2: Advancing Economic Development Opportunities, Waterloo Campus
Sunday, May 27 - Friday, June 1, 2012
Seminar A: Business Retention & Expansion, Waterloo Stratford Campus
Thursday, May 24 - Friday May 25, 2012
Seminar B: Project Management: Tools and Case Studies for Small to Large
Communities, Iqaluit
Thursday, September 27 - Saturday, September 29, 2012
Seminar C: Leadership Skills & Role Models
Thursday, March 22 - Friday, March 23, 2012
Webinar A: EDOS: Provacateurs of Entrepreneurship
Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012 – 2:30 – 4:00 p.m., EST
Webinar B: Business Retention and Expansion Basics: How to Move the Community Forward
Wednesday, March 7, 2012, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m., EST
Webinar C: BR&E Lessons from the Trenches: Identifying Trends - Where Business Goes Next
Wednesday, March 21, 2012, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m., EST
Webinar D: Time and Project Management
Wednesday, April 18, 2012, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m., EST
In addition to the professional courses listed above, the University of Waterloo offers a masters program in Local Economic Development that can be taken either full-time or part-time.
